The National's Sport cover for the Thursday, December 10 issue, featuring Atletico Madrid as they quietly mount a La Liga title challenge. Andy Mitten writes of how defence has again led Diego Simeone's men into contention:
“With attention focused on Barcelona’s brilliance, Real Madrid’s roller-coaster ride and Valencia’s managers, Atletico Madrid have been quietly winning every week and looking more like the side that won the title in 2013/14 – defensively strong, mentally impenetrable counter-attack specialists.
“Having won six and drawn two since September’s 1-0 defeat at Villarreal, they are up to second in the Primera Liga, two points ahead of Real Madrid and two behind Barca.
“The recent scorelines are similar to those that won Atleti the league: 1-0, 1-0, 1-0 and 2-0 in their past four games.
“Slowly but surely, Atletico are looking like their formidable selves again.”
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